Oral and acute dermal toxicity with Passiflora edulis sims aqueous extract in sprague-dawley rats

Abstract

Passiflora edulis (Passion fruit) seeds is rich in phenolic compounds (bioflavonoids) that can inhibit lipid peroxidation and have a strong antioxidant effect. The present study investigated the acute oral and acute dermal toxicities of the ethanol extract of Passiflora edulis Sims fruit seeds. Acute oral toxicity of P. edulis S. extract was investigated in rats according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline. The median lethal dose (LD50) was determined to be >15,000 mg/kg body weight. There was a significant increase in body weight (p < 0.05), and no death was recorded during the 14 days of the study. No overt changes were observed in the treated animals compared to controls. Overall, the results showed that oral administration of ethanol extract of P. edulis Sims. did not produce significant toxic effects in rats, indicating that the extract is relatively safe.